Artists are invited to apply until 5:00 pm EST on Sunday June 15, 2025

Introduction

The Bloor Annex BIA invites artist/s or artist groups to submit proposals for a public space digital art mural. Interested parties are invited to apply until 5:00 pm EST on Sunday June 15, 2025.

This request for proposals is for a digital art mural. The selected artist will submit their finished work in EPS or PDF vector format. Finished art will be printed in full color on exterior vinyl with an anti-graffiti coating. The BIA will cover all costs of printing. The fee for artist/s pays $3,000.

Location Details

• The mural will be located at the Spadina TTC station at the NE corner of Bloor and Spadina.
• The wall is brick and measures 14’ x 14’ or 196 sq. ft.

Theme/ Criteria

The theme of the mural is  On the Move: Streets Alive, Connected Lives. The successful mural will celebrate active and public transportation in Toronto, highlighting the connection between cycling, walking, and transit as sustainable and inclusive ways to navigate our city. You may wish to consider motifs such as:

• The joy of the journey
• Commuters in motion
• Sustainability 
• Interconnected Pathways 
• The city as a moving organism
• Themes that pertain to the Annex BIA (Community Building, Commerce, Partnerships, Placemaking)

Artist Requirements:

• Deliver a digital mural file within the agreed upon budget and timeline
• Conform to all specifications set forth by the printer 
• Be available to proof colour and drafts with the printer and BIA staff
• Participate in community engagement as needed (including press and social media)
• Communicate with the BIA throughout the project
• Supply the necessary materials for the project scope (including computer and software)
• Accommodate City of Toronto and Bloor Annex BIA logos on mural, in an approved location
• Confirm consent to allow The City of Toronto and Bloor Annex BIA to photograph during the project and to use photos on social media and promotional material

This project is funded in part by the 2025 City of Toronto Outdoor Mural and Street Art Grant and members of the Bloor Annex BIA. The TTC has partnered to provide our mural location.

TO APPLY

For mural applicants, please include in your submission:

• A letter detailing (up to 500 words):
  • Artist contact information and biography for all artists involved
  • Your interest in the project
  • How your design concept relates to the theme “On the Move”
  • Your connection to the Annex (if applicable)
• A detailed budget with a maximum amount of $3,000 (including: materials, time, labor, and necessary equipment to complete the project)
• Resume and portfolio highlighting:
  • At least two previous work samples (one must be a digital sample)
  • Outdoor mural projects of similar scope
• Project proposal highlighting:
  • Design concept: a written description of your design concept (no more than 200 words). Please convey: mediums and colours that will be used, themes and motifs that will be featured, any other information you feel is pertinent to your design concept.
  • We appreciate the time and labour involved in producing a rough sketch of your design/ proposal, and while it is not required, it is appreciated.
• Minimum of two references

Email all materials IN A SINGLE PDF FILE to Melanie at bloorannexbiaproject@gmail.com by 5:00 pm EST on Sunday June 15, 2025.

Artist/s will be chosen by a Selection Committee composed of BIA business members, staff and local community stakeholders. 

Artist/s will be selected based on the following criteria:

• How well your design highlights the designated theme
• Your portfolio
• Experience producing outdoor murals and/or digital work
• Artist/s connection to the local community (if applicable)

Key Dates:

• Deadline to Apply: 5:00 pm EST on Sunday June 15, 2025
• Final Artist Selection: 5:00 pm EST on or by Friday June 20, 2025 
• Finished Art: 5:00 pm EST Sunday July 20, 2025
• Instillation of Mural: September 2023